Nar Phu Valley Trek: 12 Days

Nar Phu Valley is located in the popular Annapurna Region. Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the rarest trekking routes in Nepal. Therefore, we need a special permit from the Nepal government to trek in this area.

The route is showered with undisturbed religious sites and villages of Tibetan heritage that represent the long-established traditions of yak herding, trading and harvesting indigenous herbs for medicine.

The Kang La Pass (5315m) is a particular highlight of this trek where trekkers will be able to spot a myriad of peaks included Annapurna II (7937m), Gangapura (7455m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m). This trek is relatively challenging, but rewarding – particularly for those with a keen interest in far-flung communities and their traditional ways of life.

Trails to the Nar Phu Valley spiral off from the popular Annapurna circuit. It’s largely untouched by tourism and the modern world and is often referred to as ‘the hidden valley trek’.

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Travel Society Nepal. After sorting out your custom formalities (Visa, etc) you will be then transferred to the hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel and give you some time to freshen up. After this, we will attend an orientation about your trek led by our Trekking leader over a typical Nepali welcome dinner that will include a cultural dance performed by the local women. You then return to your hotel for your first overnight stay at the hotel (D)

Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influences in the valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a full-day guided tour to the historic sights such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath). In the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and other stuff for your adventure trip. Stay overnight at hotel. (B)

Day 2

3

Day 03: Drive to Koto

We leave for Koto from Kathmandu early in the morning. After lunch in Besisahar, we change to an offroad vehicle for the rugged journey to Koto. The road can be almost as challenging for passengers as for the drivers, but it is incredibly scenic! It travels along the old Annapurna Circuit trek route, through amazing gorges and past stunning waterfalls. We arrive in Koto in time for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3

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Day 04: Trek to Meta

We start our trek early in the morning, as there is a lot of distance to cover on this first day. We cross the river and enter the Nar & Phu valleys where you will see old, under-developed towns on the nearby Annapurna Circuit. The route passes through beautiful woods, past small cave shelters and pilgrims’ resting places. Emerging from a narrow canyon, the trail passes under a wide waterfall, from which point the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. The last stretch into Meta involves climbing a steep hill, where you will be rewarded with amazing views of some of the giant snowy peaks in the area. Meta lies on a big open plain and consists of a few lodges, where we will stay overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4

5

Day 05: Trek to Phu

Trekking out of Meta, some of the unique, colorful Tibetan Buddhist chortens that Nar and Phu are famous for begin to appear in sight. The trail meanders along the ridge with a good view of the magnificent Nar Phedi Monastery, where you will stay in a few days’ time. After another hour and half of hiking through scenic canyons and gorges, you’ll reach a monolith that guards the steep trail up to Phu. From here, you can get your first view of the three villages in the area as well as the old “dzong” (Tibetan-style fortress) and the remains of two ruined forts, impressively situated atop the flatlands before the village. Just before crossing the bridge into Phu, a line of wonderful chortens color the landscape. After rest and refreshments, we will walk up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa to pay respects to Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche who came to Nepal with the Dalai Lama in 1959. (B, L, D)

Day 5

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Day 06: Exploring Phu

Due to the high altitude, we will have an acclimatization day in Phu. Explore the tiny alleyways of the town or hike up to Himlung Himal base camp. Phu itself is an interesting village, and a day can be well spent sitting with the villagers as they spin their yak and sheep wool, pound mustard seeds into a paste for oil, or go about their other daily chores. For an extra challenge, the hike up to Himlung Himal base camp takes you through a glacial valley. The 7,125 m. peak was recently opened for climbing. On the trail up you will see herds of blue sheep skillfully clambering up the steep cliffs. This trip takes about four to five hours. (B, L, D)

Day 6

7

Day 07: Trek to Nar Phedi (3,490m)

Today, we retrace the route back down towards Meta but turn off at the Nar Phedi monastery, which will be your accommodation for the night. The rooms are neat and clean and the nuns are extremely welcoming. Join them in the kitchen and watch them prepare dinner on a modest fireplace. At 5 pm, they usually do a puja (blessing), which you are welcome to witness. There is a small donation box in the monastery where you can leave a contribution to the maintenance of this beautiful and friendly place. (B, L, D)

Day 7

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Day 08: Trek to Nar Village

Today is an easygoing day. Climb out of Nar Phedi and follow a winding path up a hill towards Nar. Pass a line of wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens on the way into the ancient village. We arrive in the town around lunchtime. Even though Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, it is rarely visited by trekkers and is extremely picturesque.

Nar is a bit more lively than Phu, and during the day you may find the village ‘square’ teeming with chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets. With a few new teahouses built on the outskirts of Nar, you can stay in a comfortable lodge with an extensive menu.

Day 8

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Day 09:Trek to Ngawal via the Kang La Pass (5,240m)

Today is a long day, so we will get up before sunrise and head towards the Kang La Pass, which leads back onto the popular Annapurna Circuit. It is not a difficult pass, but it can be a long day as the effects of altitude will be felt. Once on top of the pass, you can enjoy an amazing sunrise view over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. After descending steeply, we stop for lunch on a plateau overlooking the peak, then continue towards Ngawal.

Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna Circuit, is certainly very different from the ancient villages just visited. The lodges are big, the menus much more comprehensive and there will be Wifi and phone signals in most lodges. (B, L, D)

Day 9

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Day 10: Trek to Pisang and drive to Besisahar

The weather gets much hotter and the scenery greener as you descend more than 2000m from the pass. Set off early for the last few hours of trekking to reach Pisang. The trail is wide and comfortable and passes a beautiful lake just outside Pisang. Stop for a quick snack in the village, then take a four-wheel drive back to Besisahar. There, we stay in a comfortable hotel overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 10

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Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu

From Besisahar, we take the five-hour journey back to the city of Kathmandu where we can do some last-minute sightseeing and shopping in the afternoon. Stay overnight in a hotel. (B)

Day 11

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Day 12: Transfer to Airport/Bus Stop for your Onward Travel

Our driver will escort you to the airport or bus stop for your onward travel. We will send you on your way with good luck and gratitude that you chose us for your adventure of a lifetime. (B)

Day 12

Cost of Nar Phu Village Trek – 12 days

Price Per Person: $1020

(Contact us for Group Discounts!)

Note: Please feel free to ask us for a tailor-made itinerary that suits your interest, time, and budget.

Service Included

Free airport picks upon your arrival and a drop at the end of your trip